From notthern Spain and eastwards to Italy, Greece and southern Scandinavia. Extinct in the United Kingdom due to the loss of the short turf habitat when rabbits died out during the myxamotosis crisis. Recently successfully reintroduced to a dozen or so sites in southwestern England.

Found in grassy places with flowers, especially thyme (Thymus) the larval food plant. Usually in dry habitats which, presumably, favours species of the the ant genus Myrmica on which the larvae also feed. Frequently amongst bushes or woodland edges.